Vergil’s Aeneid (in Rome)

Students in this course read, appreciate, and analyze Vergil’s Aeneid in English and use it to develop the skills of discussion, close reading, literary analysis, and writing for a credit in English. For a Latin credit, students establish an understanding of the craft of translation, comparing published English translations of excerpts of the text and composing their own. They also enhance their translating skills while learning about the legends and history of Rome’s founding, the historical events surrounding the Aeneid’s composition, and other historical episodes relevant to the Aeneid by reading excerpts of other texts in Latin. During the travel segment of the course, students trace a portion of Aeneas’ journey from the ancient city of Troy in modern-day Turkey, to Mt. Etna (the home of the Cyclops) in Sicily, to Rome itself, stopping to explore Pompeii along the way. We visit relevant archeological sites, explore art and history museums, and read Latin inscriptions in situ. While in Naples and Rome, we will join a local group dedicated to the improvement and beautification of public spaces for a history walk and clean-up of areas of historical significance. During the on-campus portions of the course, the students will put their Latin knowledge to work by helping local middle school Latin students. This trip involves extensive walking and moderate hiking.

Students earn 1 credit in language and 1 credit in English, and students in the classes of 2025 and 2026 can fulfill their service requirement. IB diploma candidates in the classes of 2025 and 2026 will be able to use this experience for their Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS) project.

This course is cross-listed as LAT930R (Language) and MUL930R (Extradisciplinary). A travel-abroad course, it requires parental consent.

Min-Max Credit Hours: 2.0-2.0